A $82 million STEM industry lab to be established is expected to empower start-ups, accelerate prototype development, and promote the commercialisation of homegrown technologies, according to the National Industrial Research and Development Agency (NIRDA). It aims at creating a vibrant innovation ecosystem that drives sustainable industrial growth. The facility aims to bridge the gap between academia, industry, and government in fostering innovation, research, and skills development in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The facility, to be operational in 48 months, will specialise in the areas energetics, mechatronics, and industrial software systems with a focus on data analytics. The lab will be built at the University of Rwanda College of Science and Technology in Nyarugenge District. ALSO READ: Rwandan firm wins $1m award for solar energy solutions Energetics is the science of energy flows and transformations in physical, chemical, or biological systems. Mechatronics is an interdisciplinary field that combines mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and control systems to design and build intelligent systems and smart machines. ALSO READ: Industry pushes for 'tech transfer strategy' “The STEM industry lab will help to scientifically test solutions developed by different innovators, said Husna Butoyi Umurerwa, General Manager at 250 Ventures, which is the parent company of 250 Startups. They cannot afford to test such solutions currently due to a lack of resources such as the industry lab. There are not enough such labs. Start-ups will benefit a lot and be able to put solutions on the market with tested and proven science and technology.” David Tuyishime, the CEO and co-founder of Green Home, which designs equipment for different sectors, also said the new facility will enable companies like his to improve their work. “The STEM lab will help improve designs we make, said Tuyishime, whose company's latest product is a machine that makes briquettes from cow dung and other soft waste. The lab will help reduce imports of equipment we need. We have made and distributed 25 machines, including those processing agricultural produce, maggot dryers, among others,” he said. ALSO READ: Nine priority sectors for new industrial policy in Rwanda The lab project was the topic of discussion on Thursday, June 19 as representatives from public institutions, the private sector, academia, and development partners deliberated ways to enhance STEM education, research commercialisation, and industrial competitiveness. “This initiative marks a significant milestone in our collective journey to strengthen Rwanda’s industrial competitiveness through strategic investment in Research, Innovation, and Technology transfer, said Christian Sekomo Birame, the Director General of the National Industrial Research and Development Agency (NIRDA). ALSO READ: UR empowers innovators with AI, IoT, entrepreneurial skills to commercialise projects Birame said the lab can look at innovations in renewable energy, charging batteries for vehicles, charging stations, among others, which can be locally produced. “Rwanda’s manufacturing industry is transitioning from simple assembly to basic component production, and companies urgently require advanced equipment, since the use of outdated equipment leads to their lower competitiveness. Local manufacturing lacks component production capabilities, and imported machinery often remains idle after breaking down, as spare parts have to be imported, he said, adding that this issue will be addressed as the 'Made in Rwanda' initiative gains strength. The lab’s main functions will include shared use of equipment, industrial research and development support, and start-up development services. He said Rwanda lacks an institution specialising in shared equipment to support manufacturers, explaining that available equipment at the University of Rwanda and Rwanda Polytechnic is primarily for educational purposes, not industrial use. ALSO READ: UR committed to leveraging data science to impact community “In order to address these issues and promote industrial research and innovation in Rwanda, especially in STEM related areas for industrial competitiveness, Birame said, we decided to establish a joint STEM Laboratory facility. Construction of the STEM lab will be financed by Korea Export and Import Bank (KEXIM), he added. He said the first phase of the lab will look at renewable energy, food processing, construction, mineral processing, and artificial intelligence and ICT systems.
